Water Quality Financing Administration

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Purpose and Mission

The mission of the Maryland Water Quality Financing Administration (WQFA) is to provide financial assistance in the form of low interest rate loans and/or grant funding for clean water and drinking water capital projects across the State.

Both loan programs receive federal funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and offer below market interest rate loans to eligible borrowers, while ensuring the perpetuity of the revolving funds.

The WQFA is authorized to issue revenue bonds subject to approval of the State Board of Public Works and Secretary of the Maryland Department of the Environment. Bonds issued by the WQFA do not constitute a debt or the full faith and credit pledge of the State or any political subdivision. The bonds are paid solely from WQFA revenues as pledged under the bond indenture for each of the above Funds.

The WQFA works very closely with MDE’s Engineering and Capital Projects Program (ECPP, formerly the Water Quality Infrastructure Program). The ECPP is responsible for the development and implementation of capital projects to correct public health and water quality problems and provides restoration measures that lead to water quality and habitat benefits. The ECPP provides technical assistance to local government and eligible private entities.